Need to know

Rooms

43 private bungalows and pavilions.

Rates

In low season, from $880–$4,720; high season, from $1,320–6,600; the Beach Pavilion, $4100–$7500; Symphony cruiser, $3,300–4,200. Rates include breakfast at Celcius but exclude service (10 per cent) and goverment tax ($8 a person a day).

Check-out

Noon. Earliest check-in, 2pm. Late check-outs or early arrivals must book an extra night in advance to guarantee availability.

Facilities

Private beaches, infinity pool, boat fleet, water sports, diving centre, spa, gym, yoga pavilion, boutique, library, free WiFi. In rooms, plunge pool, LCD TV, DVD/CD player, bar, coffee maker, Frette linen, Bose sound system, preloaded iPod and dock.

Poolside

The large lagoon-like infinity-edged pool bleeds into the watery horizon of the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by four-poster day beds; by night, it's romantically lit with fibre-optic lights and reflects the inky sky.

Children

This surrounded-by-water holiday haven is not ideal for kids – but they are welcome. Extra beds ($55–$100) or cribs (free) can be added to all bungalows; Beach/Ocean Pavilions can accomodate up to four adults and two under-12s.

Eco-friendly

Huvafen Fushi knows which side its bread is buttered on, and takes great care of its marine environment. It supports coral-reef rehabilitation projects and sustainable local businesses, and encourages guests to offest their carbon emissions

Also

Minimum 10-night stays between 10 December and 20 January. The underwater spa – designed by the ever-innovative Richard Hywel Evans – offers award-winning treatments and one-off visits by top beauty consultants, including Anastasia Achilleos.

In the know

Our favourite rooms

Every room has a private plunge pool. Deluxe Beach Bungalows back right onto white sands, and are justly popular for their spacious private outdoor areas (they're also the closest to the spa, if you need to do as little as possible, post-pampering). Actually the closer to the spa end of the island you are, the quieter it is. But we loved the novelty of being over water: set on a long ovate pier off the island, the Ocean and Lagoon Bungalows furthest from the island offer maximum privacy. Ocean Bungalows have a glass floor in the living area, giving you 24-hour 'reef TV', and because you’re on the sunset side, drinks on the terrace next to your plunge pool are extra-romantic. Plus, if you love snorkelling, you're right next to the outstanding house reef. Needless to say, the three Pavilions are incredible; the Beach Pavilion is everybody's favourite. Push the boat out – literally – and add a private charter to your booking and you can sleep onboard or on land; Sensuelle is a top-class 68-foot motor cruiser with an onboard wine cellar and a fireman's pole from the top deck.

Packing tips

Every piece of swimwear you have; a dozen kaftans/beach cover-ups; flip-flops, thongs, sandals… but not stilettoes; diving and medical certificates and log book if you want some underwater action.

Also

Check out those minibars: not just a few sad beers but premium alcobevs, underwater cameras, CDs, and groovy snacks from around the world. Huvafen Fushi is on 'island' time, an hour ahead of Malé (for optimum sunset enjyoment).

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant

So many options: fine fishy dining around the open kitchen at Salt, set in an overwater pavilion; spa cuisine at Raw; all-day low-key dining at sandy-floored lagoon-view Celcius; wine-matched meals at Vinum; pizza under the palm trees at Fogliani's…

Dress code

Heidi Klein, Melissa Odabash – pretty floaty kaftans and jewelled flip-flops. Panama chic and cool linens for him.

Top table

At Salt, you might spot sharks if you sit outdoors. Otherwise, try destination dining: Huvafen Fushi is renowned for its bespoke services and they'll set up dinner anywhere, from your private deck to the edge of a reef: ask to dine 'On The Rock'…

Last orders

Breakfast at Celsius, 7am–11am; Fogliani's and Raw open from noon until 4pm; Salt and Cardamom Lounge, 7pm–11pm. Reservations recommended. UMbar stays open as long as you can stay up…

Room service

A comprehensive in-room menu is available 24 hours a day. Definitely try the Maldivian breakfast (sambol, curry and chapatis); you can also have a private chef come and set up a seafood or mixed-grill barbecue on your sundeck.

Hotel bar

Super-cool UMbar shakes up deliciously dirty martinis with its extensive vodka list, as well as champagne cocktails, mocktails et al. Try an Asian-flavour-packed Crouching Tiger, with lemongrass, lychee, gin sake, ginger liqueur and jasmine tea.

Smith card offer Aperitifs and canapés served on your private deck on one night of your stay

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Not a member? Join now

Smith concierge

If you'd prefer to talk to someone, or don't want to book online, call our travel team on 1 866 610 3867. We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.

Huvafen Fushi

North Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean